JP2018065735A - Methods, system, and apparatuses for in situ removal of window distortion - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide methods of repairing transparent substrates in situ without removing transparent substrates from an installed orientation in a position of end use.SOLUTION: A method comprises: contacting a first heat source to a first side of a transparent substrate, the transparent substrate comprising an amount of distortion, the first heat source in communication with a first controller; positioning a second heat source at a predetermined distance from a second side of the transparent substrate, the second heat source in communication with the first or a second controller; activating the first and second heat sources; increasing the surface temperature of the first and second sides of the transparent substrate in situ to a predetermined temperature; maintaining the surface temperature of the first and second sides of the transparent substrate at predetermined temperatures for predetermined durations; and reducing distortion in the transparent substrate in situ.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

  The present disclosure relates generally to the field of transparent substrate repair. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to repairing a transparent substrate in-situ, for example, without removing the transparent substrate from an orientation installed at an end use location.

  The window is a component of a substantially transparent structure and is mounted not only on a stationary structure but also on a movable structure. The vehicle may be equipped with a window, including but not limited to a special window (eg, a windshield, etc.) to provide a transparent view from the vehicle. Many windows and windshields include multilayer or laminated structures that give the transparent structure the desired properties. Such desired properties include improved strength against damage or breakage, durability, resistance, resistance to crushing, and the like.

  During use, transparent structures such as windows and windshields may be damaged or deteriorated with optimal light transmission, including but not limited to rippling and distortion. Some of the exacerbations may include lip rings that cause force induced distortions or changes in the visibility of optical distortions. For example, when it becomes necessary to repair an unacceptably damaged window or windshield due to a force-induced lip ring, such repair may cause the vehicle to stop for a period of time and the window or wind Need to be removed and replaced. Such maintenance required to replace windows and windshields is time consuming and costly. Improved window and windscreen maintenance and repair processes that reduce time and cost would be advantageous.

  An aspect of the present disclosure is to contact the first heat source with the first surface of the transparent substrate, the transparent substrate including a certain amount of distortion, and the first heat source is in communication with the first controller. Positioning the second heat source at a predetermined distance from the second surface of the transparent substrate, wherein the second heat source is in communication with the first controller or the second controller. Activating the first and second heat sources; raising the surface temperature of the first and second surfaces of the transparent substrate to a predetermined temperature in-situ; first and second of the transparent substrate; A method comprising: maintaining a surface temperature of the surface of the substrate at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined duration; and reducing distortion of the transparent substrate in situ.

  Another aspect of the present disclosure provides for at least one sensor on each of the first and second surfaces of the transparent substrate after or simultaneously with contacting the first heat source to the first surface of the transparent substrate. The thermal sensor is intended to be located in communication with one or more controllers. Thus, it is contemplated that a single controller may be in communication with both heat sources, or each heat source may be in communication with a separate controller.

  According to a further aspect, the surfaces of the first and second surfaces of the transparent substrate are increased in situ after or simultaneously with increasing the surface temperature of the first and second surfaces of the transparent substrate to a predetermined temperature. Targeting temperature monitoring.

  In another aspect, the transparent substrate includes a windshield or window in contacting the first heat source with the first surface of the transparent substrate.

  In a further aspect, in contacting the first heat source with the first surface of the transparent substrate, the first surface of the transparent substrate includes an exterior surface, and the first heat source includes a heat blanket.

  In yet another aspect, in positioning the second heat source at a predetermined distance from the second surface of the transparent substrate, the second surface of the transparent substrate includes an interior surface, and the second heat source includes at least one heat gun. Prepare.

  In another aspect, the second heat source is in communication with a device for heat radiation in positioning the second heat source at a predetermined distance from the second surface of the transparent substrate.

  In yet another aspect, in positioning the second heat source at a predetermined distance from the second surface of the transparent substrate, the second heat source is positioned adjacent to the second surface of the transparent substrate.

  In another aspect, the thermal sensor comprises at least one thermocouple in positioning the thermal sensor on the first and second surfaces of the transparent substrate.

  In maintaining the surface temperature of the first and second surfaces of the transparent substrate, the first surface of the transparent substrate includes the exterior surface, and the temperature ranges from about 150 minutes to about 210 minutes, about 160 ° Maintained at a temperature ranging from F to about 167 ° F.

  In yet another aspect, in maintaining the surface temperature of the first and second surfaces of the transparent substrate, the second surface of the transparent substrate includes the interior surface, and the temperature ranges from about 150 minutes to about 210 minutes. The duration is maintained at a temperature ranging from about 160 ° F to about 165 ° F.

  In yet another aspect, in reducing the distortion of the transparent substrate in situ, the distortion is reduced by an amount ranging from about 10% to about 100%.

  In a further aspect, the transparent substrate comprises at least two layers of dissimilar materials in contacting the first heat source with the first surface of the transparent substrate having an amount of strain.

  In yet another aspect, contacting the first heat source with the first surface of the transparent substrate having an amount of strain, the first surface of the transparent substrate comprises at least one polymer thermosetting-containing material. Including layers.

  In yet another aspect, in contacting the first heat source with the first surface of the transparent substrate having an amount of strain, the transparent substrate comprises a polyurethane-containing material, a polyvinyl butyral resin-containing material, a polyether-containing material, and A layer containing these combinations is included.

  In a further aspect, the transparent substrate includes a layer configured to act as a spall shield in contacting the first heat source with the first surface of the transparent substrate having an amount of strain.

  In still another aspect, in positioning the second heat source at a predetermined distance from the second surface of the transparent substrate, the second surface of the transparent substrate comprises at least one layer containing glass.

  Another aspect is to bring the first heat source into contact with the first surface of the transparent substrate, the transparent substrate including a certain amount of distortion, wherein the transparent substrate is placed in place as a component of a larger structural assembly. The first heat source is in communication with the controller, contacting; positioning the second heat source at a predetermined distance from the second surface of the transparent substrate, wherein the second heat source is the first or first Locating in communication with two controllers; activating first and second heat sources; locating at least one sensor on each of the first and second surfaces of the transparent substrate; Positioning the thermal sensor in communication with the controller; activating the first and second heat sources; and heating the first and second surfaces of the transparent substrate in situ to a predetermined temperature; First and second surfaces of transparent substrate Increasing the surface temperature; monitoring the surface temperature of the first and second surfaces of the transparent substrate; and maintaining the surface temperature of the first and second surfaces of the transparent substrate at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined duration. An object comprising a transparent substrate having a distortion removed by a method comprising: maintaining and reducing distortion of the transparent substrate in situ.

  In a further aspect, the object is a stationary structure.

  In another aspect, the object is a vehicle.

  In yet another aspect, the vehicle is a manned aircraft, unmanned aircraft, manned spacecraft, unmanned spacecraft, manned rotorcraft, unmanned rotorcraft, manned ground vehicle, unmanned ground vehicle, manned water vehicle, unmanned water vehicle, manned Selected from the group consisting of an underwater vehicle, an unmanned underwater vehicle, and combinations thereof.

  Variations of the present disclosure are described in general terms and will now refer to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale.

1 is a perspective view of an aircraft having a front section with at least one transparent substrate. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a front section of an aircraft showing a heat source applied to the exterior of a windshield section. FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an aspect of the present disclosure showing the heat source and the location of the heat source proximate to the interior and exterior surfaces of the aircraft windshield. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an aspect of the present disclosure showing the heat source and the location of the heat source proximate to the interior and exterior surfaces of the aircraft windshield. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an aspect of the present disclosure showing the heat source and the location of the heat source proximate to the interior and exterior surfaces of the aircraft windshield. 1 is a perspective view of a thermal box assembly according to aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an aspect of the present disclosure. 2 is a flowchart outlining a method according to aspects of the present disclosure. 2 is a flowchart outlining a method according to aspects of the present disclosure.

  The subject matter disclosed herein will be described more fully herein with reference to the accompanying drawings (ie, FIGS. 1-8), but in some of the accompanying drawings, Not all aspects are illustrated. Similar numbers refer to similar elements throughout. The subject matter of this disclosure may include many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein, but rather, so that this disclosure meets applicable legal requirements. Aspects are provided. Indeed, those skilled in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure will benefit from the teachings presented in the foregoing description and the accompanying drawings will recognize many modifications and other arrangements of the subject matter of this disclosure described herein. An alternative will be recalled. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the subject matter of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the particular aspects disclosed, but that modifications and other aspects are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

  Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to methods, systems, and apparatus for reducing or substantially eliminating distortion from a transparent substrate while the transparent substrate is integrated into a large structure and remains in place in place. And The transparent substrate includes, but is not limited to, a window and a windshield. The term “substantially remove” refers to removing about 90% or more of the strain from the transparent substrate. The term “transparent” refers to the percentage of light that passes through an object having a transmission value ranging from about 0% to about 100%.

  According to aspects of the present disclosure, heat is applied in-situ to the interior and exterior sides of the installed transparent substrate for a predetermined controlled heating regime and for a predetermined duration, visible from the transparent substrate. By reducing or substantially eliminating distortion, the transparent substrate is restored to its original value of optical clarity and transmittance. Visible distortions include, but are not limited to, what are known as lip rings, including force induced lip rings. By reducing or substantially removing strain from the transparent substrate in situ, the transparent substrate substantially returns to its original shape and / or dimensions. Importantly, distortion removal or substantial removal is performed in-situ. In short, transparent substrates are stationary objects such as larger structures, devices, or buildings, and moving objects such as, but not limited to, manned and unmanned aircraft, spacecraft, ground vehicles, and marine and submarine vehicles. While being in the installation position as a part of an object including but not limited to, a process executed on the transparent substrate is performed.

  FIG. 1 shows an aircraft 10 with a nose portion 12 that includes at least one window 14. As shown in FIG. 2, an aircraft nose portion 12 exterior including an aircraft body 31 is shown. A window support 32 that engages the features of the window 14 and the aircraft body 31 is shown. An aluminum heat distributor 34 with a thermocouple 35 attached is shown. A thermocouple wire 36 extending from the thermocouple end probe 35 to the first controller 37 is shown. The thermocouple end probe 35 is understood to comprise a thermocouple for sensing heat and means for attaching the thermocouple end to the surface, eg, a portion of Teflon tape. A portion of Teflon tape 38 is shown and is used to secure the aluminum heat distributor 34 in place against the exterior surface of the window 33. A thermal blanket 39 is directed between the aluminum heat distributor 34 and the breather cloth 40. The power source 41 is in communication with the thermal blanket 39 via the thermal blanket power cord 41a.

  FIG. 3 shows an exploded cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present disclosure. Within the aircraft cabin 30, the thermal box 42 is positioned within the cabin 30 such that a small gap 44 exists between the thermal box and the interior surface of the window 14. The gap 44 is less than about 0.2 inches and is maintained to prevent high heat box temperatures from directly affecting the interior surface of the window 14. The heat gun 46 is shown in place at one end of the heat box 42. A thermocouple end (not shown) is centered and suspended in the heat box and is located within about 1 inch of the interior surface of the window without contacting the interior surface of the window 14. The power source 41 is in communication with the thermal blanket 39 via the thermal blanket power cord 41a. A thermocouple wire 48 is shown extending from the thermocouple end of a thermal box (not shown), extending through the thermal box, and attached to the second controller 49.

  FIG. 4 shows an assembled version of the system previously shown in FIG. 3 with components in place as described. FIG. 4A is an enlarged view of the embodiment shown in FIGS.

  FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the heat box shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 4A. As shown in FIG. 5, the heat box assembly 42 may comprise multiple sections assembled into a single unit. As shown in FIG. 5, the heat box section 42a includes a heat box opening 42b that can each accommodate a heat gun (not shown in FIG. 5). The heat box frame sections 42c and 42d are joined to the sections 42a and 42b to complete the heat box 42. It is understood that the thermal box may be manufactured as an integral part, or may include additional components that collectively comprise the thermal box assembly, if desired.

  FIG. 6 is a representative showing a cockpit in the cabin area of the aircraft 10 of FIG. 1 having the aspects of the present disclosure in place to heat the interior of the window and reduce or substantially eliminate window distortion. It is a typical figure. As shown in FIG. 6, the cockpit interior 60 includes a heat box assembly 42 in place, with one end located close to the interior surface of the window 14, and a heat gun 46 at the end of the heat box assembly 42. It is shown projecting into the opening 42b. As shown in FIG. 6, one heat gun 46 is supported by a heat gun pedestal 67. Both heat guns 46 may be supported via a pedestal 67 or otherwise supported, for example, by features of the heat box itself or via some other support. It is understood that it may be. A controller 49 is coupled to one end of the thermocouple wire 48 and the other end of the thermocouple wire 48 is not in direct contact with the interior surface of the window 14 but is in close proximity (not shown). ) Is shown in an engaged state.

  7 and 8 are flowcharts outlining a method according to aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 includes contacting 71 a first heat source in proximity to the first surface of the transparent substrate, positioning 72 a second heat source at a predetermined distance from the second surface of the transparent substrate, And starting the second heat source 73, increasing the surface temperature of the first and second surfaces of the transparent substrate 74, and the surface temperature of the first and second surfaces of the transparent substrate for a predetermined duration. A method 70 is outlined that includes maintaining 75 and reducing distortion 76 of the transparent substrate in situ.

  FIG. 8 shows 71 bringing the first heat source into contact with the first surface of the transparent substrate, positioning the second heat source at a predetermined distance 72 from the second surface of the transparent substrate, and the first of the transparent substrate. And 81 positioning at least one heat sensor on the second surface, activating 73 the first and second heat sources, and 74 increasing the surface temperature of the first and second surfaces of the transparent substrate. Monitoring the surface temperature of the first and second surfaces of the transparent substrate 82; maintaining the surface temperature of the first and second surfaces of the transparent substrate for a predetermined duration 75; and transparent in situ. Outlines a method 80 for reducing distortion of a transparent substrate in situ, including reducing substrate distortion 76.

  This aspect of the application discloses the use of a thermal blanket in combination with an aluminum heat distributor, but monitors to maintain a temperature of about 160 ° F. to about 167 ° F. relative to the exterior surface of the transparent substrate It will be understood that any heat source that can be controlled to distribute a substantially controllable amount of heat that can be used may be used. Such heat sources include, but are not limited to, at least one heat lamp, at least one heat gun, an infrared heater, and the like, and combinations thereof. Similarly, this aspect of the application discloses the use of a heat gun directed into the heat box assembly, but to maintain a temperature of about 160 ° F. to about 167 ° F. relative to the interior surface of the transparent substrate. It will be understood that any heat source that can be controlled to distribute a substantially controllable amount of heat that can be monitored can be used. Such heat sources include, but are not limited to, at least one heat lamp, at least one heat gun, an infrared heater, and the like, and combinations thereof.

  Aspects of the present disclosure disclose a second heat source for heating a second surface, or an interior surface of a transparent substrate that is in close proximity to the second surface, but not in direct contact with the heat box. Thus, the necessary gap exists between the second heat source assembly and the second surface of the transparent substrate. However, as long as the contact does not interfere with strain relief, or the properties of the transparent substrate (e.g., providing a temperature on the second surface beyond the glass transition temperature or the melting point of the material incorporated in the transparent substrate) or mold, It may be in direct contact with, or in close proximity to, the second surface of the transparent substrate, unless it adversely affects the properties of the material positioned adjacent to the transparent substrate, including but not limited to fasteners and fittings It is understood that some additional heat sources are possible.

  In addition, while aspects of this application disclose the use of thermocouples to sense and monitor surface temperatures, non-contact infrared thermometers, irreversible temperature labels, wireless temperature monitoring devices, etc., and combinations thereof It will be appreciated that any means for measuring and relaying temperature information and / or controlling and adjusting temperature may be used, including but not limited to.

  Furthermore, the thermocouple and heat source disclosed in this specification can be appropriately connected to necessary controllers, software, hardware, computers, computer programs, and the like in order to start software, hardware, controllers, and the like. It is understood that it can or can communicate otherwise. In addition, the assembly and system for removing and / or substantially eliminating strain from the transparent substrate in situ may be further controlled for remote and automatic activation, or manually operated as desired. May be.

  According to aspects of the present disclosure, the following protocol was implemented. The inner surface of the distorted aircraft window is heated to a temperature of 155 ° F. to 160 ° F. for 2 hours without any window removal or window rework (ie, the window was processed in situ). It was. The inner and outer surfaces of the window were cleaned using MS-260 glass cleaner (Miller-Stephenson Chem. Co., Inc., Danbury, CT). Scratches or defects were found in addition to distortion. The experimental preparation for the window exterior included the following steps. Both sides of the aluminum heat distributor were cleaned with MS-260 cleaner and the heat distributor was placed directly outside the window. Teflon tape (Nitto, Lakewood, NJ) was used to secure the heat distributor and to ensure a uniform space between the window tip seal and the heat distributor. Four thermocouples (FLUKE, Everett, WA) were placed in contact with the aluminum heat distributor in place. The end of the thermocouple wire (AirTech Int'l. Chino, CA) was brought into direct contact with the heat distributor and the thermocouple wire was plugged into the heat distributor controller. A breather cloth was placed around the heat distributor and secured to the aircraft and heat distributor using Teflon tape. A composite thermal blanket (HeatCon, Seattle, WA) was mounted on the heat distributor, ensuring that the thermal blanket contacted the aircraft skin and was different. A thermal blanket controller (BriskHeat, Columbia, OH) was set to a temperature of 167 ° F. A breather cloth was placed over the entire composite thermal blanket as a thermal insulator.

  The following steps for the interior of the window configuration were performed as follows. An insulated box frame was positioned in the aircraft cabin, ensuring that it did not touch the inner surface of the window (ie, the interior surface). The insulation box was maintained at a distance from the interior surface of the approximately 0.2 inch window and provided with a support frame. A heat box was attached to the heat box frame and secured using Teflon tape. A support pedestal was positioned to engage the cabin floor at a location below the heat box and extended upwards to contact the bottom of the heat box for the purpose of supporting the heat box. A heat gun (Steinel, Germany) was positioned on a heat gun pedestal made from a modified light stand (Fostria) and the nozzle end of the heat gun was positioned to extend through the hole in the heat insulating box . The hole in the heat box was appropriately sized to accommodate the inlet of the nozzle end of the heat gun in the heat box at the desired and predetermined distance.

  The composite thermal blanket was then powered. A thermal ramp rate for the composite thermal blanket of about 7 ° F. per minute was set and observed until the thermocouple attached to the composite thermal blanket recorded a temperature of 167 ° F. The heat gun was then powered and the temperature observed on a 165 ° F. = −− 2 ° F. thermocouple (FLUKE, Everett, WA) was maintained. Four thermocouples (not shown) were placed at each corner of the heat box and did not contact the interior surface of the window interior, but were positioned within about 1 inch of the interior surface. The heat level of the heat gun and heat blanket was maintained for 2.5 hours. The power to the thermal blanket and heat gun was turned off and the window was allowed to cool to ambient temperature. The equipment outlined above was removed from the exterior and interior of the window, and the window distortions just observed were not present because they were removed.

  Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to reducing or substantially removing strain from a transparent substrate in situ. Transparent substrates include, but are not limited to, windows and windshields. Transparent substrates considered include not only substrates comprising multiple materials, including substrates comprising layers or laminates, but also substrates made from a single material. Specific objects are transparent substrates containing glass and non-glass, and transparent substrates also containing non-glass. Aspects of the present disclosure include adjusting the distortion removal (ie, substantial removal) procedures disclosed herein or the distortion reduction procedures to meet the demands and limitations of the transparent substrate itself. In short, by changing not only the duration but also the temperature applied to the two sides of the transparent substrate, the procedure disclosed herein works effectively, and the transparent substrate component, thickness, distortion By adjusting the procedures described herein to account for quantities, the presence of laminates or layers, etc., strain is reduced or substantially removed from the transparent substrate.

  Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to reducing or substantially eliminating distortion of a transparent substrate, including but not limited to windows and windshields. For purposes of this disclosure, the terms “windshield” and “window” are used interchangeably and are therefore considered to have equivalent meaning. Such windows are typically multilayer, optically transparent structures comprising a non-glass layer sandwiched between glass layers. Typical non-glass layers include, but are not limited to, thermosetting polymers and thermoplastic polymers such as polyurethane, polyvinyl butyral containing resins, polyether containing films, and combinations thereof.

  Non-glass layers often act as so-called “anti-spalling” layers; layers that function to prevent the release of crushed glass from transparent structures such as windows and windshields. Without being bound by any particular theory, it is believed that this polymeric material acting as an anti-spalling layer contributes to the force-induced strain that occurs in transparent structures containing such anti-spalling layers. It is believed that the thermosetting polymer material contained in the transparent windshield structure is stressed due to pressure and / or temperatures that approach or exceed the glass transition temperature of the material, leading to distortion of the transparent structure. Such thermosetting materials used in the manufacture of windows and windshields are often processed at temperatures close to or above about 220 ° F. However, significant distortion can occur when such materials are exposed to temperatures of about 140 ° F. Such strain has been referred to as force induced strain.

  Earlier, such force-induced distortion of the transparent structure in an aircraft or other vehicle usually created a need to replace such structure from the vehicle. According to aspects of the present disclosure, a defined duration on either side of the transparent structure, at a predetermined level (and up to a level below the glass transition temperature and / or melting point of the material but above the temperature at which strain is induced) By applying heat to the substrate, it is now possible to remove or substantially eliminate the strain from the transparent structure. Also, without being bound by a particular theory, by adhering to the principles of the protocol specified herein, a transparent structure material can be “relaxed” to “relax” the structure to the desired undistorted orientation. It is thought to be oriented. When exposed to elevated temperatures, thermoset components, and more generally thermoplastic components, can reorient their structures when in contact with foreign objects to accommodate the shape and shape of the object. it can. As specified herein, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, the desired reorientation is achieved by raising the temperature on both sides of the window above the temperature at which force induced strain is induced.

  Transparent substrates Such force induced distortions can be seen with the naked eye and are also known as “lip rings”. Strain can be sensed optically using optical sensors and interferometers. In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, the processes and protocols allow the previously distorted transparent substrate for optimal performance without removing the substrate from its installed state (eg, from a building, aircraft, or other vehicle). Reduce distortion to any degree required to be restored. That is, the process described herein can reduce the strain on the transparent substrate from 10% to 100% while processing the substrate in situ.

  Variations and alternatives of the present disclosure relate to the manufacture and use of components and parts, such as composite component parts of any size, including the manufacture and use of components and parts in the creation of larger parts and structures. . Such devices include, but are not limited to, transparent components and parts designed to be positioned on the exterior or interior of stationary objects, including but not limited to common buildings and buildings. In addition, objects include, but are not limited to, atmospheric vehicles, aerospace vehicles and other objects and structures designed for use in space or other upper atmospheric environments such as manned or unmanned vehicles and objects. . Considered objects include, but are not limited to, manned and unmanned aircraft, spacecraft, rotorcraft, satellites, rockets, missiles, ground vehicles, non-ground vehicles, and even water and subsurface vehicles and objects. .

  In introducing an element of the present disclosure or an exemplary embodiment thereof, the articles “one (“ a ”,“ an ”)”, “that (“ the ”)”, and “the (“ said ”)” Or it is intended to mean that there are a plurality. The terms “comprising”, “including” and “having” are inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Intended. Although this disclosure has been described with reference to specific embodiments, the details of these embodiments should not be construed as limiting. While preferred variations and alternative methods of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes and substitutions can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

Furthermore, the present invention includes embodiments according to the following clauses.
Article 1. Bringing the first heat source into contact with the first surface of the transparent substrate, the transparent substrate including a certain amount of distortion, wherein the first heat source is in communication with the first controller;
Locating the second heat source at a predetermined distance from the second surface of the transparent substrate, wherein the second heat source is in communication with the first or second controller;
Activating the first and second heat sources;
Raising the surface temperature of the first and second surfaces of the transparent substrate to a predetermined temperature on the spot;
Maintaining the surface temperature of the first and second surfaces of the transparent substrate at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined duration;
Reducing the distortion of the transparent substrate in situ.
Article 2. Positioning at least one thermal sensor on each of the first and second surfaces of the transparent substrate after or simultaneously with contacting the first heat source with the first surface of the transparent substrate; The method of clause 1, comprising positioning the thermal sensor in communication with the one or more controllers.
Article 3. A clause comprising monitoring the surface temperature of the first and second surfaces of the transparent substrate in-situ after or simultaneously with increasing the surface temperature of the first and second surfaces of the transparent substrate. The method according to 1 or 2.
Article 4. 4. The method according to any one of clauses 1 to 3, wherein in bringing the first heat source into contact with the first surface of the transparent substrate, the transparent substrate comprises a windshield or a window.
Article 5. 5. Any one of clauses 1 to 4, wherein in contacting the first heat source with the first surface of the transparent substrate, the first surface of the transparent substrate includes an exterior surface, and the first heat source comprises a heat blanket. The method described in 1.
Article 6. Clauses 1-5, wherein in positioning the second heat source at a predetermined distance from the second surface of the transparent substrate, the second surface of the transparent substrate includes an interior surface, and the second heat source comprises at least one heat gun. The method according to any one of the above.
Article 7. Clause 1 to clause 6, wherein the second heat source is in communication with a device for heat radiation in positioning the second heat source at a predetermined distance from the second surface of the transparent substrate. the method of.
Article 8. Any one of clauses 1-7, wherein the second heat source is positioned proximate to the second surface of the transparent substrate in positioning the second heat source at a predetermined distance from the second surface of the transparent substrate. The method according to item.
Article 9. The method of clause 2, wherein in positioning at least one thermal sensor on each of the first and second sides of the transparent substrate, the thermal sensor comprises at least one thermocouple.
Article 10. In maintaining the surface temperature of the first and second surfaces of the transparent substrate, the first surface of the transparent substrate includes the exterior surface, and the temperature ranges from about 150 minutes to about 210 minutes, about 160 ° 10. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 9, wherein the method is maintained at a temperature in the range of F to about 167 ° F.
Article 11. In maintaining the surface temperature of the first and second surfaces of the transparent substrate, the second surface of the transparent substrate includes the interior surface, and the temperature ranges from about 150 minutes to about 210 minutes, about 160 ° 11. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 10, wherein the method is maintained at a temperature ranging from F to about 165 ° F.
Article 12. 12. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 11, wherein in reducing the distortion of the transparent substrate in situ, the distortion is reduced by an amount ranging from about 10% to about 100%.
Article 13. Clause 1 to clause 12, wherein the transparent substrate comprises at least two layers of dissimilar materials in contacting the first heat source with the first surface of the transparent substrate having an amount of strain. Method.
Article 14. Clause 1 wherein the first surface of the transparent substrate comprises at least one layer comprising a polymeric thermosetting-containing material in contacting the first heat source with the first surface of the transparent substrate having a certain amount of strain. 14. The method according to any one of 13 to 13.
Article 15. A layer comprising a polyurethane-containing material, a polyvinyl butyral resin-containing material, a polyether-containing material, or a combination thereof, wherein the first heat source is brought into contact with the first surface of the transparent substrate having a certain amount of strain. 15. A method according to any one of clauses 1 to 14, comprising:
Article 16. Clause 1 to clause 15, wherein the transparent substrate comprises a layer configured to act as a spall shield in contacting the first heat source with the first surface of the transparent substrate having an amount of strain. The method described.
Article 17. Clause 1 to clause 16, wherein in positioning the second heat source at a predetermined distance from the second surface of the transparent substrate, the second surface of the transparent substrate comprises at least one layer comprising glass. the method of.
Article 18. An object comprising a transparent substrate having a strain removed by the method of clause 1.
Article 19. The object of clause 18, wherein the object is a vehicle.
Article 20. Vehicle is manned aircraft, unmanned aircraft, manned spacecraft, unmanned spacecraft, manned rotorcraft, unmanned rotorcraft, manned ground vehicle, unmanned ground vehicle, manned water vehicle, unmanned water vehicle, manned water surface vehicle, unmanned 20. A vehicle according to clause 19, selected from the group consisting of an underwater vehicle and combinations thereof.

Claims (15)

Bringing a first heat source into contact with a first surface of a transparent substrate, the transparent substrate comprising a certain amount of distortion, wherein the first heat source is in communication with a first controller; When,
Locating a second heat source at a predetermined distance from a second surface of the transparent substrate, wherein the second heat source is in communication with the first or second controller;
Activating the first and second heat sources;
Increasing the surface temperature of the first and second surfaces of the transparent substrate to a predetermined temperature in-situ;
Maintaining the surface temperatures of the first and second surfaces of the transparent substrate at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined duration;
Reducing the distortion of the transparent substrate in situ.   Positioning at least one thermal sensor on each of the first and second surfaces of the transparent substrate after or simultaneously with contacting the first heat source with the first surface of the transparent substrate. The method of claim 1, comprising positioning the thermal sensor in communication with one or more controllers.   Monitor the surface temperature of the first and second surfaces of the transparent substrate after or simultaneously with increasing the surface temperature of the first and second surfaces of the transparent substrate in situ. The method according to claim 1 or 2, comprising:   The method according to claim 1, wherein in bringing the first heat source into contact with the first surface of the transparent substrate, the transparent substrate includes a windshield or a window.   5. The contact according to claim 1, wherein in bringing the first heat source into contact with the first surface of the transparent substrate, the first surface of the transparent substrate includes an exterior surface, and the first heat source includes a heat blanket. The method according to any one of the above.   The positioning of the second heat source at a predetermined distance from the second surface of the transparent substrate, wherein the second surface of the transparent substrate includes an interior surface, and the second heat source includes at least one heat gun. Item 6. The method according to any one of Items 1 to 5.   In maintaining the surface temperatures of the first and second surfaces of the transparent substrate, the first surface of the transparent substrate includes an exterior surface, and the temperature of the first surface is from about 150 minutes to about 150 minutes. Maintained at a temperature in the range of about 160 ° F. to about 167 ° F. for a duration in the range of up to 210 minutes, wherein the second surface of the transparent substrate includes an interior surface, and the temperature of the second surface is 7. The method of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the method is maintained at a temperature ranging from about 160F to about 165F for a duration ranging from about 150 minutes to about 210 minutes.   8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the transparent substrate comprises at least two layers of dissimilar materials in contacting the first heat source with the first surface of the transparent substrate having a certain amount of strain. The method described.   Contacting a first heat source with a first surface of a transparent substrate having a certain amount of strain, wherein the first surface of the transparent substrate comprises at least one layer comprising a polymeric thermosetting-containing material; 9. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.   In contacting the first heat source with the first surface of the transparent substrate having a certain amount of strain, the transparent substrate comprises a polyurethane-containing material, a polyvinyl butyral resin-containing material, a polyether-containing material, or a combination thereof. 10. A method according to any one of the preceding claims comprising a layer.   11. The method of claim 1, further comprising a layer configured to act as a spall shield in contacting the first heat source with the first surface of the transparent substrate having a certain amount of strain. The method according to item.   12. The positioning device according to claim 1, wherein in positioning the second heat source at a predetermined distance from the second surface of the transparent substrate, the second surface of the transparent substrate includes at least one layer including glass. The method according to item.   An object comprising a transparent substrate having a strain removed by the method of claim 1.   The object of claim 13, wherein the object is a vehicle.   The vehicle is a manned aircraft, unmanned aircraft, manned spacecraft, unmanned spacecraft, manned rotorcraft, unmanned rotorcraft, manned ground vehicle, unmanned ground vehicle, manned water vehicle, manned water vehicle, manned water surface vehicle, The vehicle of claim 14, wherein the vehicle is selected from the group consisting of an unmanned water surface vehicle and combinations thereof.

Images